Bulldogs Edge Out Currituck by Single Point

BARCO — In a finish that came down to the end, Chowan Middle School’s wrestling team claimed the 2026 Albemarle Athletic Conference Championship on February 7 at Currituck Middle School, edging host Currituck County Middle School by just one point, 213.5 to 212.5.

The narrow victory in the packed gymnasium showcased the depth and determination of the Bulldogs’ squad, which competes in the Albemarle Athletic Conference alongside Perquimans, Moyock, Manteo, First Flight, Elizabeth City, and Currituck County. Chowan placed wrestlers on the podium across multiple weight classes throughout the day-long tournament.

The championship represents a significant leap forward for the Bulldogs program under head coach John Reinhold, who was assisted this season by his father, John G. Reinhold. Last year, Chowan finished third in the conference tournament, making this year’s one-point victory over Currituck even sweeter.

The tournament itself also saw a format change from previous years. In last year’s competition, the top several wrestlers from each school in each weight class competed, resulting in a marathon event that lasted until late into the night. This year’s format featured only the top wrestler from each school in each weight class, creating a more manageable competition schedule while still showcasing the conference’s best talent.

Championship performances

Chowan’s success was built on a team effort that included four individual conference champions:

• Zion Preudhomme (76 lbs.) secured a first-place finish over Currituck’s Maiuizio Izaguirre.
• Thatcher Bass (126 lbs.) battled to a win over Currituck’s Ethan Brown to claim first.
• Holton White (150 lbs.) defeated Currituck’s Timmy Baxho to capture the weight-class championship.
• Juan Gomez (157 lbs.) defeated Manteo’s Crew Basnight-Moran to add another first-place finish to Chowan’s total.
• Adam Ball (215 lbs.) defeated First Flight’s Ryland Stone within 28 seconds for first place.

Teammates deliver crucial points

The Bulldogs placed three wrestlers in second place and four more in third and fourth positions, accumulating crucial points.

• Second-place finishers included Bentley Mizelle (98 lbs.), who fell to Currituck’s Raelee Overton, and Mason Copeland (138 lbs.), who lost to First Flight’s Bryce Dunn.
• Third-place medals went to Hudson Evans (90 lbs.), who dominated Manteo’s Cole Martin; Daniel Herrar (106 lbs), who edged Currituck’s Carter Chalk; and Wiley Britt (113 lbs), who defeated Currituck’s Caroline Brown.
• Joseph Layton (144 lbs.), who was pinned by Moyock’s Carson Sawyer, and Khaydeen Perry (250 lbs.), who lost to Perquimans County’s Kai Billup, rounded out Chowan’s scoring with fourth-place finishes.

Perquimans wrestling

Perquimans County Middle School scored 48 points in the tournament.

• Kai Billip placed third in the 250 lbs. weight class, defeating Chowan’s Khaydeen Perry in the third-place match.
• Fourth-place finishes included Michael Curlings (190 lbs.), who lost to Manteo’s Banx Nelson; Jordon Wille (175 lbs.), who lost to Manteo’s Braxton Smith; and Joseph Biggs (120 lbs.), who lost to First Flight’s Stella McNeil.

Team standings

The final team standings reflected one of the most competitive Albemarle Athletic Conference tournaments.

1. Chowan Middle School — 213.5 points
2. Currituck County Middle School — 212.5 points
3. First Flight Middle School — 191.5 points
4. River Road Middle School — 152 points
5. Moyock Middle School — 140.5 points
6. Manteo Middle School — 133.5 points
7. Perquimans County Middle School — 48 points
8. Elizabeth City Middle School — 27 points